After two weeks at home, Melbourne Victory’s A-League Men and Women are both in for away trips on the East Coast this weekend.
Victory’s Women take on Brisbane Roar from 3:00pm on Saturday, while it’s a Sunday afternoon trip to Newcastle for the Men, also kicking off at 3:00pm.
After last weekend saw both sides claim the three points in their respective fixtures, the focus is heavily on bringing all six available points home to Victoria.
BUILDING OFF LAST WEEK’S WIN
A win last Friday over the Phoenix under the lights of AAMI Park has lifted the spirits of Victory’s Men.
Goals from Bruno Fornaroli, Jake Brimmer and Tomi Juric set the Victory on their way to a resounding 3-1 win to kickstart a successful weekend.
Another brilliant Brimmer free kick brought the house down in the 54th minute – as his effort wizzed past the outstretched Oli Sail into the top corner.
This week’s away trip is a chance for the Victory to build some momentum following the positive result last time out, before the navy blue return home to Melbourne for the challenge of the Derby and Adelaide across two consecutive weeks.
NEW REINFORCEMENTS AT THE READY
Victory have had a busy January transfer window, securing five new signatures for its Men’s side.
Australians Bruce Kamau and Connor Chapman, Frenchman Damien Da Silva and Paraguayan Fernando Romero join the permanent signing of Bruno Fornaroli.
Contract extensions for Ben Folami and Academy graduates Will Wilson and Matt Bozinovski were also announced on Wednesday afternoon.
With 11 games still to play, the added depth will go a long way to ensuring the Victory are up for the challenge of climbing the table in search of a Finals spot.
TOP FOUR BUFFER
A 3-1 win against Western Sydney was the ultimate way to celebrate the Club’s Dub Round last week, while adding security to Victory’s A-League Women’s top four spot.
The result means Victory now hold a six point buffer over Brisbane, who sit in fifth spot.
Saturday’s clash with the Roar will be the first time these two have met this season, and presents Melbourne with the chance to go further ahead.
PLAYERS RETURNING AHEAD OF RUN INTO FINALS
In a massive in for the Victory, Catherine Zimmerman returned to action last week for the first time since Round 2.
Another boost this week will see Melina Ayres back in contention for match day, as she continues to return to full fitness.
Victory’s Women have another six games (including Saturday’s fixture against Brisbane) to play in the regular season.
With three of those games to be played at home in Melbourne, and three on the road, the side will be hoping to work on the finer details and build as much confidence as possible before heading into Finals.
